Detroit’s Tarik Skubal Claims Back-to-Back Cy Young, Earns First Team All-MLB Recognition
In an effort to provide a more holistic evaluation of player performance, Major League Baseball introduced the First and Second All-MLB Team selections in 2019. This initiative allows for a comprehensive assessment of players over the entire season, contrasting with the All-Star teams, which are determined mid-season in July.
This year, the Detroit Tigers showcased several standout performances, culminating in impressive accolades ahead of the All-MLB awards ceremony on Thursday. Notably, outfielder Riley Greene and utility player Zach McKinstry both celebrated their first career Silver Slugger Awards, highlighting their offensive prowess.
Skubal’s Stellar Season
However, it was starting pitcher Tarik Skubal who stole the spotlight by capturing his second consecutive Cy Young Award. His remarkable consistency and excellence placed him among the elite pitchers in both the National and American Leagues, earning him a coveted spot on the First Team All-MLB roster.
Skubal’s impressive season statistics speak volumes about his dominance on the mound:
He led the league with a minuscule 0.89 WHIP.
His 2.21 ERA ranked second overall.
Skubal allowed only 48 earned runs, placing him second in that category as well.
His 241 strikeouts were also the second highest in the league.
A total of 33 walks further underscored his command.
Opponents struggled against him, hitting just .200, which tied him for seventh in batting average against.
These achievements not only highlight Skubal’s skill but also solidify his status as one of the premier pitchers in baseball today, as he continues to set the standard for excellence on the mound.
